Unidentified Polyporaceae

[JAJ]

Unidentified Polyporaceae growing at the base of an old tree. please help



Is this Lycogala epidendrum ?? please help



and

Auricularia auricula-judae in its dehydrated natural state



peace J

[fairplay]

And the tree being a ??? Come on JAJ, try to be more helpful.

As it is, there is enough to come to the conclusion it is a Ganoderma species, although it has an extremely exaggerated white lip. The thickness suggests G.australe, but this is by no means certain.

The other photo seems to be Hypoxylon fragiforme - don't suppose you bothered to try squash one did you ? Read your literature, and find out the composition of each - there is a hell of a difference with slime moulds.

Neil.

[JAJ]

Originally Posted by fairplay

The other photo seems to be Hypoxylon fragiforme - don't suppose you bothered to try squash one did you ? Read your literature, and find out the composition of each - there is a hell of a difference with slime moulds.

Neil.

Thanks for the reply.

Hypoxylon fragiforme



Now I'm learning. Thanks Neil

[JAJ]

Originally Posted by fairplay

don't suppose you bothered to try squash one did you ?

Neil.

No I didn't should I have done

Destroying Nature is foreign to me (i never pulled trees down as a kid , i climbed up them). Alas as a mere 'hobby mycologist' and keen photographer of nature, i don't think i'm in any position to start 'squashing' these beings yet.. lol

The 'Morals of Mycology' is something i'm slowly coming to grips with,, who knows I may even pen an article about it yet because its a deep and thought provoking subject. Something I'd never considered until someone suggested I cut these beings open and have a look.

It's really interesting stuff. Thanks for opening my mind to this.

Peace
J

[fairplay]

If it was a fresh Lycogala epidendrum or indeed any other slime mould, it would have burst out (in this case) a pinkish slime - it would be soft.

Even when fully mature, it will be a mass of spores, but still soft.


But I am pretty certain your photo shows a member of the Xylariaceae - in this case Hypoxylon fragiforme, which have a consistency of charcoal.

This is commonly found on Beech, but something like this growing on Hazel would be called Hypoxylon fuscum, and on Birch, H.multiforme.

Britain does not have a huge number of large native trees, so get yourself a tree book and learn them as they are vital in the quest to identify fungi.

Neil.

PS. I meant to say, all you had to do was poke one with your finger - it won't bite, and certainly is not going to threaten the world population.

[JAJ]

Thanks for the info.

The photo was taken from a fallen tree in a copse of Giant Red Wood Cedar c.1950 with several deciduous species of tree on the edges and in the clearings. Shaggy Parasols and Jelly Ear also fruit in this copse sporadically.

I'm suspicious of touching any fungi by hand , so next time I'm in the region i will carefully yet reluctantly poke one with a stick (against my morals) and see what gwan.. hehe

Peace
J

[fairplay]

Originally Posted by JAJ

I'm suspicious of touching any fungi by hand ...............,

Peace
J

Why for goodness sake ??????????????

Neil.

[JAJ]

Originally Posted by fairplay

Why for goodness sake ??????????????

Neil.

Because certain fungi are classified as some of the most naturally toxic beings on the planet... so it makes little sense for us to start handling them while still unidentified and learning

Peace
J

[fairplay]

Originally Posted by JAJ

Because certain fungi are classified as some of the most naturally toxic beings on the planet... so it makes little sense for us to start handling them while still unidentified and learning

Peace
J

That's ONLY IF YOU EAT THEM. - and even with poisonous species, it is STILL SAFE to nibble them to get an idea of the taste, AS LONG AS YOU SPIT IT OUT AFTER.

Neil.

[JAJ]

Thanks for the clarification Neil.

To quote Gumby : "It's always a good idea to wash your hands after handling unfamiliar mushrooms because it is possible that they could irritate your eyes or mouth."

source : handling poisonous mushrooms - Mushroom Hunting and Identification - Shroomery Message Board